Slides in this set

Slide 1

Slide 2

The Conference and the Big Three The conference was dominated by David Lloyd George, Georges Clemençeau and Woodrow Wilson, the leaders of Britain, France and America, often known as the 'Big Three'. Delegates from 32 countries met in January 1919, but the conference was dominated by the Big Three - Lloyd George (Britain), Clemençeau (France) and Wilson (USA). The delegations made presentations to them, after which the Big Three made their decision.…read more

Slide 3

The Conference and the Big Three Lloyd George saved the conference. On 25 March 1919, he issued the Fontainebleau Memorandum, and persuaded Clemençeau to agree to the League of Nations and a more lenient peace treaty that would not destroy Germany. Then he went to Wilson and persuaded him to agree to the War Guilt Clause. The Germans were shown the proposed Treaty of Versailles. There was no negotiation. The Germans published a rebuttal, arguing that the treaty was unfair, but they were ignored. On 28 June 1919, the delegates met at the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, and forced two Germans to sign the treaty.…read more

Slide 4

The Peace TreatyThe people of Europe wanted lasting peace, and also to make Germany pay for thedamage done, and revenge.The Germans had expected that the peace treaty would be based on PresidentWilson's Fourteen Points. The six key principles of the Fourteen Points were: Setting up a League of Nations Disarmament Self-determination for the people of Europe - the right to rule themselves Freedom for colonies Freedom of the seas Free tradeThe Big Three expected to base the peace treaty on the terms of the armistice, whichwere much harsher: German army disbanded, and Germany to give up its navy. Allied troops to occupy the Rhineland. Reparation for damage done and war losses.…read more

Slide 5

Woodrow Wilson's original ideas To end war by creating a League of Nations based on his Fourteen Points. To ensure Germany was not destroyed. Not to blame Germany for the war - he hated the Guilt Clause.…read more

Slide 6

Georges Clemeceau's original ideas Revenge and to punish Germany. To return Alsace-Lorraine to France. No League of Nations. An independent Rhineland. Huge reparations. To disband the German army so that Germany would never be strong enough to attack France again.…read more